If you want to claim as independent because you’re turning 22, you can submit your claim up to 13 weeks before your birthday. If you claim early, you can start getting the independent rate as soon as you turn 22.

Start your claim online

If you already have a myGov account

If you have a Centrelink online account

To do your business online, you need a myGov account and a Centrelink online account.

If you don't have a myGov account, create one today. Once you have created your account, you can link it to your Centrelink online account. Watch the video and read more on how to link your online account to myGov.

After you’ve answered the claim questions, you'll get a checklist so you know exactly what you need to give us. You need to supply all required documents on your claim checklist and submit your claim within 14 days. This is so we can assess it from the earliest possible date. If you don’t submit your claim, it will expire 13 weeks from the start date of the claim. If this happens, you need to start a new claim.

Track your claim

Subscribe to electronic messaging to get SMS or email notifications about the progress of your claim. We’ll also notify you if we need more information to process your claim.

Job seekers

We’ll tell you at the end of the process if we need any more information. You need to submit this within 14 days or it may affect the start date of your payment. The sooner we get your documents, the sooner we can work out your payment.

If you claim online, you need to book an appointment online to assess your Mutual Obligation Requirements. We’ll call you at the time and date you choose. You must book this appointment within 14 days of submitting your claim.